Thinking of going travelling alone.
Does the adventure out weigh not having your friends there?
hey, i was meant to be going on a around the world trip with one of my friends and a few others this year, but basically they screwed me over 3 months before the trip.
So im now stuck back at my parents and as most of my other friends either have careers, are too poor, or have commitments i have no one else to go with.
Im trying to decide whether i could face going alone or to get a career/full time job.
Is going alone a good idea? Does the adventure out weigh not having any of your friends there to enjoy it with?
Ive never gone travelling really, let alone on my own, but feel life can be more exciting than just a 9 to 5 job.
any advice?
Reply to this Hi Dan,
Welcome to TravelBlog!
While travel is not going to be all fun, it absolutely is worth the difficult times. And you're only going to be as alone as you want to be on the road. Your choices about where you travel, what accommodation you stay in, and whether you strike up a conversation with the person next to you, will determine how much of your time you spend by yourself.
I wouldn't necessarily take living with your parents as a bad thing - look at it as a chance to save up more travel funds. If you're a bit nervous about travelling alone, why not do a local trip or follow a well beaten path to somewhere like SE Asia to get used to things.
Remember the nerves and excitement - it's all part of the journey!
Reply to this This question comes up often on Travelblog, and the consensus is that it depends on your personal likes and dislikes. Personally, I've always travelled alone, nearly a year for one trip, and totally enjoyed it. The freedom to do what I wanted, just because I felt like it, at all times was incredibly thrilling. I stayed in contract with home through email and phone calls throughout, so I was never really by myself. You also meet lots of people on the road. Doing quick trips that are relatively local (no culture shock and low costs) to get used to travelling alone is a great idea.
Reply to this My first trip traveling alone was right out of high school. I took the Eurailpass around Europe for a month. I could determine my own schedule and occasionally traveled some segments with another person who was going my way. So traveling alone brings a lot of freedom in doing what you want to do, and allows you to make friends along the way. You should travel before settling down with a career and family.
Reply to this Hi Dan, only you will know whether you can manage on your own while travelling. Of course it is always great to have friends to share those good times with, but if you are apprehensive it is a great idea to go on shorter trips until you have the confidence to stretch your wings further and longer. On your own you will have the freedom to make your own choices, with a group of people, they may not always agree. Go out into the world and explore.. you soon will know if you want to continue!!
Reply to this You are fortunate that you live in a time when you have a choice in the matter and there are so many resources available to you that didn't exist before. When I got out of College in 72 I was immediately reclassified 1A and drafted during the Vietnam War. I can tell you that this is perhaps the last time you will be unencumbered by life’s demands that you may still be able to head out on a long trip. Once you start on a career, unless it is “Just a Job” and not a career you will be pretty well locked in. America is one of the stingiest countries in the world on vacations and time off. And employers with rare exceptions expect that the job always comes first.
Since you are a guy I don’t see any reason why traveling alone would be a problem. If you stay in hostels you can meet people so you won’t really be alone unless you want to be. And traveling solo means you don’t have to do anything or go anywhere you don’t want to. If you wish to explore all day you may do so, or you can just hang out at the hostel and meet people or just take it easy. It’s entirely up to you. Solo travel is a good way to go.
Having the internet available makes a great deal of difference to a traveler. They can do homework on places to go and find out the best rates for hotels, hostels, and air fares. I use Travelocity.com for researching airfares and tripadvisor.com as well as hostelworld.com or hostelbookers.com for finding lodging. Most hotels and hostels have Wi-Fi available so Read the Reviews on places to stay at your next location when you are traveling. Also you can keep in touch with those back home by using emails, facebook, and Skype.
I personally have found that going out on a trip for 6 weeks and back for 6 weeks works well.
Almost always it is cheaper to buy a round trip ticket than a one way ticket even if you end up deciding to stay longer and discard the second half of the ticket.
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In response to: Msg #164991
Hi Dan,
My advice is to never let anyone hold you back from your dreams of world travel, especially when nothing and no one is holding you back. We have our whole lives to work. What will be most gratifying at the end of your days? Your adventures abroad may be some of the best memories of your lifetime. In fact, they may be life-changing. One of my favorite quotes is "man is at his best in the face of the unknown." When I travel alone, I know truly who I am. The alone time is when meaningful reflections surface, as oppose to when you're bar-hopping with your friends. But traveling alone doesn't mean you'll be bored or lonely! It's never too hard to find traveling companions that are looking to share a good time. When I was in Croatia I met a pair of Argentinians that I ended up traveling with to the island of Brac. Not only did we have a blast together and split taxi fares, but I got to learn about their country and was inspired by their travel stories. Last but not least, solo travel gives you the confidence to accomplish anything. In short, the adventure definitely outweighs not having your friends there; you'll meet friends (and maybe even a lover) from around the world along the way!
Best,
Tess Malijenovsky
Writer for Wanderled
Reply to this I vividly recall my mother's statement to my dad: "I'm going - WITH or without you".
And she did.
I am my mother's son.
Reply to this TRAVEL! You will meet so many people that you can share your adventures with. Your friends at home will realize how silly they were and will probably come and join you!
Reply to this I think traveling alone is one of the most beautiful thing. And by beautiful, I meant having the opportunity to discover more about oneself, experiencing unforgettable things on the road that will translate into stories that can be told 10-20 years down the road and meeting fellow solo travellers on the road whom might turn out to be your next travel buddy 😊 Go for it!
Reply to this i am just excited. i am in a similar dilemma whether to travel alone or with a friend.
i know travelling with a friend will have its benifits but travelling alone will be fun!
Reply to this travel alone so fun, interesting, good luck. if you go to vietnam. contact me.
Reply to this Traveling alone is very interesting but you must prepare knowledge and money as well. If you are going to travel to a country for a long time, you should have a part- time job to earn a little money.
Reply to this It will be a true challenge, travelling alone.
But just think of your sense of achievment, when you return home.
Plus, ou will be able to make up any stories about your travels (incase things don't work out so well), which can't be contradicted by someone else.
😊
Reply to this You only live once so go for the trip, even if that means doing it all alone. At a certain point in your life your associations will change. You may be one of the lucky few who has a best friend for life, but likely you will probably end up with constantly changing friends and relationships throughout your life. You may not ever have the chance to travel abroad like you can now so take advantage of it. The relationship you build with yourself as you travel with the only guaranteed best friend for life can be invaluable.
Reply to this You can surely travel alone.There will be no problem for you if you plan and travel alone.In fact it will be an amazing experience for you to explore the whole world and yourself.
Reply to this I always travel alone as i have nobody to go with me and im not going to wait for someone because i could wait forever. Travel alone is really about the freedom and better than argue on the journey with someone where we go and what we will do. That can spoil the time completely, i have been in it once. It could also be a bit dificult because every now and then you will feel lonely but in my lonely life i got used to it
Reply to this Best decision you can make. You'll never be tied down to any itinerary, you can stay or move on as you like, and you'll meet the most amazing people who otherwise may be intimidated to approach a group or couples! You can be alone, or surrounded by as many people as you would like. Best of both worlds really.
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